The Pope's decision doesn't mean anything new for priests under the Diocese of Des Moines because the Bishop already granted permission to forgive abortion.

"The Pope has a huge heart, and the heart is representative of who he believes God to be,” said Bishop Richard Pates, of the Des Moines Diocese.

Pates also said Pope Francis' decision to allow priests to forgive the sin of abortion demonstrates him sharing God's love with everyone.

“What he really wants people to know, especially women, is that we're with them. We're understanding and we embrace them the best we can,” Pates said.

He said this doesn't change the way the Catholic Church views abortion. But what many are taking away from the Pope’s message Tuesday is that no sin is too grave to be forgiven.

“Their sin is always forgiven. Oftentimes they carry that guilt within them and that they've received forgiveness. They have a fresh start. We've moved forward we know they're loved by God,” Pates said.

"Christ would definitely not condemn that poor woman, so I think the Pope did the right thing,” said Richard Heger, who has been volunteering with a pro-life committee in the Des Moines Diocese for 25 years.

Pates hopes the Pope's voice amplifies their invitation for confession.

“They should come. We will receive them with love, consideration and care … It's a grave issue but we want them to know they're forgiven,” he said.

The Holy Year of Mercy, when abortion can be universally forgiven, begins Dec. 8, 2015 until late November 2016.